Drying Figs: Methods and Fig Tree Varieties for Delectable Dried Fruits

Discover the best fig tree varieties for growing delicious dried fruits. From Black Mission to Brown Turkey, explore a variety of fig trees that are perfect for creating your own delectable dried fruits at home.

Dried figs are a delightful treat bursting with the sweetness of sugar and the warmth of sunshine. Traditionally, these sumptuous delights are prominently produced around the Mediterranean region. However, there’s no need to rely solely on commercial sources, as drying your figs can be simple and rewarding.

With figs rich in antioxidants, fibre, and nutrients, creating your dried figs allows you to savour the essence of summer long after the season ends. Here, we explore three different methods of drying figs – in the sun, in a dehydrator, or in the oven. Additionally, we guide you in choosing the best fig tree varieties that promise to yield the most succulent dried figs.

Understanding the Fig Tree

Notably low-maintenance and adaptable to various soil conditions, the fig tree boasts a diverse array of varieties that thrive in different regions across the world. To flourish, this resilient fruit tree requires ample sunlight and protection from cold winds. The colours of the fruits vary from white and green to red, purple, and black, and each variety offers a unique harvest period.

Some fig trees are “uniferous,” bearing fruit once a year between August and October, while others are “biferous,” yielding two harvests in July and autumn. Additionally, certain varieties are self-fertile, meaning they don’t require pollinating insects or the presence of other fig trees. Considering these factors is crucial when selecting the ideal fig tree for your needs.

Choosing the Best Fig Tree Varieties for Drying

The world of figs is abundant and diverse, with each variety presenting its own distinctive characteristics. Whether round, pear-shaped, juicy, or firm, figs can be consumed fresh, harvested, or incorporated into various culinary delights such as pies, jams, compotes, and chutneys.

Moreover, figs are remarkably well-suited for drying, provided you choose varieties that are rich in sugar content and not excessively juicy. Drying figs involves the process of evaporating water, which constitutes about 80% of the fruit’s composition.

Therefore, selecting sweet and relatively non-juicy figs is key to achieving creamy and flavorful dried fruits. Let’s explore some of the best fig tree varieties for optimal drying results:

1. Ficus carica ‘Goutte d’Or’: This variety produces large fruits with golden yellow skin and sweet flesh. As a biferous tree, it yields two harvests, typically maturing in early July and mid-August, making it a perfect choice for small gardens.
2. Ficus carica Noire de Caromb: These figs are renowned for their exceptional taste, boasting purplish-blue skin and delicious red flesh. Resistant to humidity, this highly productive biferous variety is a desirable option for drying.
3. Ficus carica “Panachee”: With medium-sized fruits sporting yellow and green variegated skin and red flesh, this biferous variety matures around mid-August. It can grow up to 6 to 8 meters, making it ideal for larger spaces.
4. Black Bellone: This uniferous, self-fertile variety produces medium-sized fruits with almost black skin and red flesh, ready for harvest in mid-August.

Drying Figs in the Oven

If you prefer an oven-based method for dehydrating figs, it is indeed feasible to do so without cooking the fruits. The secret lies in using a very low temperature to achieve perfect drying results. Here’s how you can create creamy dried figs using your oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 50°C. If your oven doesn’t offer this specific temperature, select the lowest setting and leave the door slightly ajar to maintain a consistently low temperature.
2. Wash and dry the figs thoroughly. Cut them in half if they are large, and remove the stems.
3. Place the figs on the oven rack, cut side up, ensuring they do not touch one another.
4. Bake the figs for approximately 36 hours, turning them over midway through drying.
5. Allow the dried figs to cool completely before storing them.

Drying Figs in a Dehydrator

Using a dehydrator is an efficient and faster method for drying fruits and vegetables. To dry figs using this method, follow these steps:

1. Wash and dry the figs, and trim the stems as short as possible. Cut larger fruits in half.
2. Arrange the figs on the dehydrator tray and set the temperature to 40°C.
3. The drying duration will depend on the dehydrator model, ranging from 4 to 20 hours.

Drying Figs Naturally in the Sun

For those seeking a traditional approach to fig drying, the sun-drying method offers a rewarding experience. However, it requires patience and favourable weather conditions, including low humidity and abundant sunshine. Here’s how you can naturally dry figs in the sun:

1. Thoroughly wash and dry ripe figs, ensuring they are slightly shrunken. Remove the stems and cut large figs in half.
2. Spread the figs on a cannisse rack, oven rack, or crate, ensuring they do not touch each other. Place them with the cut side facing up.
3. Cover the figs with cheesecloth, allowing air circulation while safeguarding the fruit from insects.
4. Place the rack in direct sunlight during the day and bring it indoors at night to protect the figs from morning dew. Store the figs overnight in a warm room.
5. Turn the figs daily and remove any damaged fruits.
6. Depending on various factors such as humidity levels, intensity of sunlight, and wind presence, the figs will take anywhere from two days to two weeks to dry completely.

Properly Storing Dried Figs

In order to savour your homemade dried figs for an extended period, it is crucial to store them in airtight containers, such as plastic or glass jars or iron boxes. Alternatively, you can use sealed plastic freezer bags. Store the dried figs in the refrigerator or a dry place away from direct light for up to one year. In order to keep track of the drying date, it’s helpful to label the container accordingly. Also can take help from how to store Best Hamster Food  as well.

Why Choose ADNOOR?

1. Superior Quality: Our products undergo rigorous quality checks to guarantee their excellence and freshness, providing you with an unmatched gastronomic delight.
2. Trusted Expertise: With a quarter-century of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliability and expertise in the industry, making us a trusted name among our customers.
3. Unbeatable Variety: Discover an impressive assortment of premium nuts, dried fruits, and rice that caters to every palate and preference.
4. Competitive Prices: Top-notch products shouldn’t come with unreasonable price tags. At ADNOOR, we offer our range at reasonable prices to make healthy choices accessible to all.
5. Customer Satisfaction: Your satisfaction is our priority. We strive to create a seamless shopping experience, from browsing our website to receiving your orders promptly.

For exceptional quality dried figs, raisins, basmati rice, nuts, seeds, and other dried fruits, consider visiting the ADNOOR website. As importers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, and co-packers of various nuts and grains in Canada for the past 25 years, we strive to provide customers with top-notch products at reasonable prices.

You can Discover different fig tree varieties that are perfect for growing delicious figs to be dried and enjoyed as a tasty and healthy snack. Whether you’re looking for the finest basmati rice in Montreal or an assortment of healthy snacks, ADNOOR is your trusted source for quality and taste.